A Mixed Bag of Targets at the Africa Men's Sevens in Mauritius

The tournament kicks off this Saturday, June 21 in Port Louis, with Zimbabwe facing Tunisia at 9:00 AM local time (GMT+4). All matches will stream live for free on RugbyPass TV and Rugby Africa’s Facebook page. (Full fixtures below)

PORT LOUIS, Mauritius– The 12 teams gathered in Mauritius for the 2025 Africa Men's Sevens have arrived with varying ambitions and strategies.

Defending championsUgandareturn with a relatively inexperienced squad, aiming to give upcoming talent a platform to shine. Most of the players who won the title last year have since graduated to the Fifteens side, which is currently preparing for the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup in Kampala — a key qualifier for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 . Still, the Sevens squad is not taking this tournament lightly.The 12-man team that is in Port Louis is determined to protect the Ugandan pride.

“We are very excited that the team has prepared well, and we must be at our best since we need to try and defend the title,” Uganda head coachTolbert Onyangotold local media before departure.

Meanwhile, the 2024 runners-upSouth Africahave also opted for a developmental approach. TheSpringbok Sevens ‘A’team includes eight uncapped players in international Sevens rugby. Though their result won’t impact qualification for other African teams, the Blitzboks are here with purpose.

“We certainly want to support African competitions where possible and this tournament fits in nicely, as we will conclude our 2025 season by going to the Rugby Africa Sevens in Mauritius,” said head coachPhilip Snyman.

“It is important to grow the game on the continent and it provides us with a perfect opportunity to give playing time to those who trained hard all season, but did not get the chance to play.

“We are building towards the Olympic Games in 2028 and these tournaments are important for us to give players exposure and game time.”

While some nations focus on player development, others are targeting the continental title.

Zimbabwe, for example, has named five players from their victorious Rugby Africa Cup Fifteens squad — including Player of the TournamentTapiwa Mafura— for their Sevens campaign. These players will also feature in the upcoming Fifteens title defence in Uganda next month.

“It is deliberate,” said Sevens head coachRicky Chirengende, who also serves as assistant coach for the Fifteens team. “I obviously didn’t do this without the blessing of Pieter (Zimbabwe XV head coach Piet Benade). It’s something that we spoke about, it could be valuable game-time for the guys. It just helps with their sharpness leading into Africa Cup XVs in Uganda (which serves as Africa’s final 2027 World Cup qualifiers).”

Kenya, another strong contender, has named four debutants in their squad for the tournament at Labourdonnais Sports Club. According toScrummage, the team will be co-captained byChrissant OjwangandGeorge Ooro, and includes experienced names such asDennis Abukuse,William Mwanji,Brian Mutua, andFloyd Wabwire.

The ambitious Nigerians have been in camp for two months, including preparation matches in London.

“We’re pleased with the players’ commitment and growth,” said head coachSteve Lewis. “It’s great to have Declan Nwachukwu and Kolade Adedoyin back from injury, and we’re excited about the fresh energy from new call-ups like Joshua Addams, Isa Omale, Tuoyo Egodo, and Akeem Yusuf.”

The rest of the field includes Côte d'Ivoire, Madagascar, Burkina Faso, Zambia, Tunisia, Ghana, and hosts Mauritius— all eager to make their mark in what promises to be a competitive two-day event.

Organised byRugby Africa(www.rugbyafrique.com), the continental governing body for rugby in Africa, in partnership with theMauritius Rugby Union, free streaming will be available on Rugby Africa’s official Facebook and RugbyPass TV.

Streaming

Match Day 1: Saturday 21 June 2025 (Local Time) (GMT+4)

• 09:00 – Zimbabwe vs Tunisia
• 09:22 – Madagascar vs Mauritius
• 09:44 – Burkina Faso vs Zambia
• 10:06 – South Africa vs Nigeria
• 10:28 – Kenya vs Cote d’Ivoire
• 10:50 – Uganda vs Ghana
• 11:44 – Zimbabwe vs Mauritius
• 12:06 – Madagascar vs Tunisia
• 12:28 – Burkina Faso vs Nigeria
• 12:50 – South Africa vs Zambia
• 13:12 – Kenya vs Ghana
• 13:34 – Uganda vs Côte d’Ivoire
• 14:50 – Madagascar vs Zimbabwe
• 15:12 – Zambia vs Nigeria
• 15:34 – South Africa vs Burkina Faso
• 15:56 – Côte d’Ivoire vs Ghana
• 16:18 – Uganda vs Kenya
• 16:40– Tunisia vs Mauritius

Match Day 2: Sunday 22 June 2025 (Local Time) (GMT+4)

• 09:00 – 1st Pool B vs Best 3rd
• 09:22 – 1st Pool C vs 2nd Pool A
• 09:44 – 2nd Pool B vs 2nd Pool C
• 10:06 – 1st Pool A vs 2nd Best 3rd
• 10:28 – 3rd Best 3rd 3rd Best 4th
• 10:50 – Best 4th vs 2nd Best 4th
• 12:07 – Loser Match 19 e vs Loser Match 20
• 12:29 – Loser Match 21 vs Loser Match 22
• 12:51 – Winner Match 19 vs Winner Match 20
• 13:13 – Loser Match 21 vs Loser Match 22
• 13:35 – Loser Match 23 vs Loser Match 24
• 13:57 – Winner Match 23 vs Winner Match 24
• 14:59 – Loser Match 25 vs Loser Match 26 (7th Place Final)
• 15:24 – Winner Match 25 vs Winner Match 26 (5th Place Final)
• 15:53 – Loser Match 28 vs Loser Match 27 (Bronze)
• TEAM WALK OUT & ANTHEMS
• 16:32 – Winner Match 28 vs Winner Match 27 (Gold)

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